Mississippi Mr. Football Awards announced for 2023
CLINTON, MS - Thursday, November 9
Recipients of the annual Mississippi Mr. Football award were selected on Thursday, November 9, in each of the Mississippi High School Activities Association’s seven classifications in conjunction with the Mississippi Association of Coaches. The winners were selected by a committee of high school coaches and members of the media state-wide.
In order of classification, the 2023 Mississippi Mr. Football award winners follow:
- 1A: Gavin Griffin - Velma Jackson
- 2A: Adarius McDougle - Sebastopol
- 3A: Chase Richardson - Winona
- 4A: William Echoles - Houston
- 5A: Kahnen Daniels - West Point
- 6A: Jamonta Waller - Picayune
- 7A: Trey Petty - Starkville
Class 7A
Trey Petty, QB, Starkville
After leading Starkville to a state championship in his sophomore and junior seasons, the Illinois commit picked up right where he left off in his senior year. Petty has consistently ranked among the top quarterbacks in the state, and completed 128 of his 201 passes for 1,766 yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions this year. He added 728 rushing yards, averaging 12.3 yards a carry, with seven touchdowns.
Class 6A
Jamonta Waller, TE/DE, Picayune
Picayune’s big 6-foot-2, 225-pound athlete may be the best blocking tight end in the state, but it’s his prowess on the defensive line that garnered a Mr. Football nod. Waller was instrumental in Picayune’s biggest wins, tallying 56 total tackles, nine sacks, 19 stops behind the line, two forced fumbles and one blocked punt.
Class 5A
Kahnen Daniels, RB, West Point
Daniels was a finalist for this award in his junior year, so we all had him penciled in as this year’s winner, and the University of Florida commit gave us no reason to change that. Daniels has rushed for 1,930 yards on 189 carries with 21 touchdowns in 10 games. In a Green Wave offense bent on ball control, nobody controls the ball better.
Class 4A
William Echoles, OL/DL, Houston
You don’t see many linemen picking up this kind of post-season award very often, but Echoles is not just any lineman. The six-foot-4, 290-pound Ole Miss commit is one of the highest-rated o-line recruits to come through Mississippi in the past decade. He finished the season more than 25 pancake blocks on offense, and recorded 59 tackles — including 18 for a loss — and seven sacks on defense.
Class 3A
Chase Richardson, QB, Winona
If you want to know what makes undefeated Winona go, you have to start with the guy under center. Richardson has been instrumental for the Tigers, completing 109 of his 185 pass attempts for 1,774 yards with 21 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He added 853 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground, going over the century mark in half of Winona’s 10 wins.
Class 2A
Adarius McDougle, QB, Sebastopol
Unlike the higher classifications, sometimes in Class 2A you get players who can take over a game by themselves. McDougle was one of those guys for Sebastopol this year. In nine regular-season games, he rushed for 1,697 yards and 31 touchdowns and completed half of his 68 pass attempts for 446 yards and five more scores. He’s the main reason the Bobcats averaged 34.9 points a game.
Class 1A
Gavin Griffin, RB, Velma Jackson
Sometimes, being the best player on the best team is enough. And Velma Jackson’s star tailback is certainly that. Griffin has paced an explosive offense that helped the Falcons to an undefeated regular season and the top spot in SBLive’s Class 1A rankings, rushing for 1,253 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also caught 15 passes for 300 yards and three more scores.
An awards presentation ceremony will be conducted on Dec. 5 at the MHSAA office in Clinton.
Mississippi Mr. Football Awards announced for 2022
CLINTON, MS - Thursday, November 10
Recipients of the annual Mississippi Mr. Football award were selected on Thursday, November 10, in each of the Mississippi High School Activities Association’s six classifications in conjunction with the Mississippi Association of Coaches. The winners were selected by a committee of high school coaches and members of the media state-wide.
In order of classification, the 2022 Mississippi Mr. Football award winners follow:
- Class 1A: Ty Jones – RB/LB, Bay Springs, Senior
- Class 2A: Austin Goss – QB, Scott Central, Senior
- Class 3A: Suntarine Perkins – RB/LB, Raleigh, Senior
- Class 4A: Isaac Smith – RB/DB, Itawamba, Senior
- Class 5A: Dante Dowdell – RB, Picayune, Senior
- Class 6A: Bray Hubbard – QB, Ocean Springs, Senior
More information about awards presentations will be shared in the coming days in advance of the 2022 Blue Shield Blue Cross of Mississippi Gridiron Classic MHSAA Football State Championships, which will be played at M.M. Roberts Stadium on the campus of Southern Miss in Hattiesburg on December 2-3.
Mississippi Mr. Football Awards announced for 2021
CLINTON, MS - Monday, November 15
Six players — one from each MHSAA classification — were selected Monday, November 15th as Mississippi Mr. Football recipients for the 2021 season in partnership with the New Orleans Saints, Mississippi High School Activities Association and the Mississippi Association of Coaches.
The winners were selected by a statewide committee of high school coaches and media who cover high school football:
Class 1A: Vontrez Rush, Senior RB, Simmons, Coach Tavares Johnson
- 116 Rushes for 1,615 yards and 26 Rushing TD’s
- 27 Receptions for 331 yards and 4 Receiving TD’s
- 1 KOR for TD
- 4 Pass Breakups
- 2 INT’s
Class 2A: Zy Ford, Senior LB, East Webster, Coach Ron Price
- 132 Tackles, 72 Solo’s, 60 Asst
- 20 Tackles for loss
- 7 Sacks
- 2 Caused Fumbles
- 106 Rushes for 790 yards and 10 TD’s
- 2 Receptions for 26 yards
Class 3A: Malcolm Hartzog, Senior RB, Jefferson Davis County, Coach Lance Mancuso
- 71 Carries for 1,231 yards and 28 Rushing TD’s
- 7 Two-Point conversion rushes
- 7 Receptions for 163 yards and 3 TD’s
- 5 Punt Returns for TD’s
- 6 KOR’s for TD’s
- 11 Kick returns for 403 yards
- 23 Tackles,
- 7 Tackles for Loss
- 3 INT’s
- 7 Pass Breakups
- 1 Fumble return for TD
Class 4A: Jaheim Oatis, Senior DL, Columbia, Coach Chip Bilderback
- 55 Tackles
- 22 Tackles for loss
- 5 sacks
Class 5A: Derrick Burgess, Senior LB, Lafayette, Coach Michael Fair
- 108 Tackles
- 80 Solo Tackles
- 28 Assists
- 38 Tackles for loss,
- 16 Sacks
- 1 INT
- 1 Fumble Recovery
- 1 Blocked Punt
Class 6A: Bray Hubbard, Junior QB, Ocean Springs, Coach Blake Pennock
- 148 Completions, 215 Attempts, 2,007 yards
- 30 TD Passes, 3 INT’s
- 141 Rushes, 1,071 yards
- 20 Rushing TD’s
Presentation dates and locations for the Mr. Football awards will be announced at a later date.
The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Gridiron Classic is scheduled for Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4 at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg.
Mississippi Mr. Football Awards announced for 2020
CLINTON, MS - Wednesday, November 11
Six players — one from each MHSAA classification — were selected Wednesday, November 11th as Mississippi Mr. Football recipients for the 2020 season in partnership with the New Orleans Saints, Mississippi High School Activities Association and the Mississippi Association of Coaches.
The winners were selected by a statewide committee of high school coaches and media who cover high school football:
- Class 1A: Robert Henry, Lumberton
- Class 2A: Ty Keyes, Taylorsville
- Class 3A: Chandler Pittman, Magee
- Class 4A: Ty Cooper, Louisville
- Class 5A: Jarquez Hunter, Neshoba Central
- Class 6A: Justin Walley, D’Iberville
Henry, a senior running back/quarterback, has rushed for 1,440 yards, passed for 419 yards and accounted for 27 touchdowns for Lumberton (8-1). Henry was Class 1A Mr. Football in 2019.
Keyes, a senior quarterback, has completed 84 of 132 passes for 1,552 yards with 16 TDs and 3 interceptions for Taylorsville (8-1). Keyes was Class 2A Mr. Football in 2018 and 2019
Pittman, a senior quarterback, has passed for 1,496 yards and rushed for 682 yards and accounted for 26 TDs for Magee (8-0)
Cooper, a senior defensive end, has 9 quarterback sacks, 2 QB hurries and 2 fumble recoveries for Louisville (9-1)
Hunter, a senior running back, has accounted for 1,767 yards and scored 22 touchdowns for Neshoba Central (8-1)
Walley, a senior wide receiver/defensive back, accounted for 1,200 all-purpose yards, 14 TDs, 2 interceptions and 2 blocked kicks for the Warriors (9-0)
Presentation dates and locations for the Mr. Football awards will be announced at a later date.
The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Gridiron Classic is scheduled for Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson.
Mississippi Mr. Football Awards announced for 2019
CLINTON, MS - Wednesday, November 7
Six players — one from from each MHSAA classification — were selected Tuesday, November 12th as Mississippi Mr. Football recipients for the 2019 season in a partnership with the New Orleans Saints, Mississippi High School Activities Association and the Mississippi Association of Coaches.
The winners were selected by a statewide committee of high school coaches and media who cover high school football:
Class 1A: Robert Henry, Lumberton
Class 2A: Ty Keyes, Taylorsville
Class 3A: Kentrel Bullock, Columbia
Class 4A: Ike Chandler, Itawamba AHS
Class 5A: Randy Anderson, Lafayette
Class 6A: McKinnley Jackson, George County
Henry, a 5-9, 180-pound junior running back/quarterback, has rushed 125 times for 1,510 yards and 24 touchdowns and passed for 589 yards and 7 TDs for the Panthers (9-3).
Keyes, a 6-0, 180-pound junior quarterback and Mr. Football in 2A for 2018, has completed 170 of 242 passes for 3,200 yards with 39 TDs and 7 interceptions for the Tartars (11-1).
Bullock, a 5-10, 195-pound senior running back, has rushed 152 times for 1,690 yards and scored 31 TDs for the Wildcats (11-0).
Chandler, a 6-0, 180-pound senior running back, has rushed 211 times for 2,299 yards and scored 31 TDs for the Indians (12-0).
Anderson, a 5-11, 205-pound senior quarterback/defensive back, has rushed for 1,389 yards with 18 TDs and passed for 446 yards and 5 TDs for the Commodores (8-3).
Jackson, a 6-3, 315-pound senior defensive lineman, has collected 69 tackles, including 32 for loss with 10 quarterback sacks for the Rebels (7-4).
The Mr. Football selections from Class 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A will be recognized at a banquet in Jackson on Monday, December 2nd in Jackson. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi Gridiron Classic State Football Championships are set for December 6th and 7th at M.M. Roberts Stadium on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.
Mississippi Mr. Football Awards announced for 2018
CLINTON, MS - Wednesday, November 7
Six players — one from from each MHSAA classification — were selected Wednesday, November 7th as Mississippi Mr. Footballs for the 2018 season in a partnership with the New Orleans Saints, Mississippi High School Activities Association and the Mississippi Association of Coaches.
The winners were selected by a statewide committee of high school coaches and media who cover high school football:
- Class 1A: Demarrius Turner, Simmons
- Class 2A: Ty Keyes, Tayorsville
- Class 3A: K.J. Jefferson, North Panola
- Class 4A: Christian Allen, Mendenhall
- Class 5A: Jarod Conner, Hattiesburg
- Class 6A: Nakobe Dean, Horn Lake
Keyes, a 6-0, 190-pound sophomore quarterback, has completed 180 of 266 passes for 3,204 yards with 36 TDs and 6 interceptions for the defending 2A champion Tartars, 12-0.
Jefferson, a 6-3, 225-pound senior quarterback, has completed 138 of 219 passes for 2,499 yards with 31 TDs and rushed for 818 yards and 7 TDs for the Cougars, 10-1.
Allen, a 5-11, 185-pound senior quarterback, has completed 83 of 141 passes for 1,480 and 21 TDs and rushed for 852 yards and 11 TDs for the Tigers, 10-1.
Conner, a 5-11, 210-pound senior quarterback, has completed 116 of 213 passes for 1,943 yards and 23 TDs and has rushed for 1,341 yards with 22 TDs for the Tigers, 11-0.
Dean, a 6-1, 220-pound senior linebacker, has 134 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 6 quarterback sacks and 3 interceptions for the Eagles, 11-0.
The Mr. Football selections from Class 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A will be recognized at a banquet in Hattiesburg on Thursday, November 29. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi Gridiron Classic State Football Championships are set for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at M.M. Roberts Stadium on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.
Mr. Football Winners for 2017 announced
CLINTON, MS - Wednesday, November 8
- 1A: Chris Smith (Nanih Waiya), a 5-10, 180-pound junior running back/receiver/cornerback, has totaled 1,544 all-purpose yards and scored 30 TDs for the Warriors (11-1). He also 27 tackles and 2 interceptions on defense.
- 2A: Don Ragsdale (Pisgah), a 5-10, 190-pound junior running back/safety, carried 311 times for 3,081 yards and scored 39 touchdowns for Pisgah (9-3). He had 69 tackles and 5 sacks on defense.
- 3A: D.D. Bowie (Morton), a 6-1, 197-pound senior quarterback/receiver/defensive back, accounted for 2,664 yards and 40 TDs for the Panthers (8-4). He also had 2 blocked field goals and 1 interception. He has committed to Ole Miss.
- 4A: Myles Brennan (St. Stanislaus), a 6-4, 187-pound senior quarterback, has completed 253 of 363 passes with 46 TDs and 1 interception for the Rock-A-Chaws (10-1). He also has rushed for 445 yards and 9 TDs. He has committed to LSU.
- 5A: Jordan Murphy (Hattiesburg), a 6-1, 175-pound wide receiver, has caught 70 passes for 1,556 yards and scored 21 TDs for the Tigers (9-3). He has committed to Tennessee.
- 6A: Cam Akers (Clinton), a 6-0, 215-pound senior quarterback, has completed 123 of 192 passes for 2343 yards with 25 TDs and 4 interceptions for the Arrows (10-1). He has also rushed for 1,312 yards and scored 22 TDs.
Six Recognized As Mr. Football for 2016
CLINTON, MS - Thursday, November 10
Six players, one from each MHSAA classification, were selected Thursday, November 10 as Mississippi’s Mr. Football for the 2016 season in a partnership with the New Orleans Saints. The winners as chosen by a selection by a statewide committee of high school coaches and media who cover high school football.
The Mr. Football selections from Class 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A will be recognized at a banquet in Starkville on Thursday, Dec. 1. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi Gridiron Classic State Football Championships are set for Dec. 2-3 at Davis Wade Stadium on the campus of Mississippi State University in Starkville. The awards are a partnership with the Saints, MHSAA and Mississippi Association of Coaches.
“As proponents of youth football, we are thrilled to participate in the recognition of the top players in the state of Mississippi,” said Saints President Dennis Lauscha. “Annually, we are very active with numerous youth program visits all across the state of Mississippi. We also recognize that many high school coaches from Mississippi participate in the various coaching clinics that we host throughout the year and it’s very natural that we are supportive of the missions of the Mississippi Association of Coaches and Mississippi High School Activities Association. We are very proud of our long history of having some of the very finest men, both professionally and personally, that Mississippi high schools have produced, including Archie Manning, Freddie McAfee, Deuce McAllister and so many other fine players, as members of the Saints family and we look forward to the next generations following in their footsteps.”
